On the Edge: Dugu Shang (Part One)
In the royal palace of Ning Yue Kingdom, at five in the morning one day, the sound of a woman’s anguished cries was heard. However, there was no sound of a baby crying. The anxious emperor (more accurately, the former emperor) heard that the queen had given birth and burst into the room, kicking the door open with force.
He snatched his beloved son from the midwife’s arms, exclaiming, “Why isn’t this child crying? My darling, cry a little, cry!” But the baby showed no response, merely opening his eyes slightly, giving his father a cold glance. The emperor suddenly burst into laughter, “Haha! This is indeed a cold disposition! Excellent! This is the demeanor of an emperor!”
The baby gave his father another look, snorted in contempt, and then turned away. The room fell into an eerie silence as everyone experienced his coldness for the first time.
A few days later, the emperor, along with officials and the queen, discussed naming the newborn prince.
The queen suggested, “The little prince is so icy; how about naming him Shuang?” The emperor shook his head, “That name sounds too feminine; the prince’s name should reflect royal dignity!”
The officials began to argue heatedly, proposing numerous names, but none satisfied the emperor.
Finally, someone suggested writing all the names on paper and letting the little prince choose for himself. The emperor agreed enthusiastically and went personally to fetch the prince.
However, the moment he picked up the prince, the child slapped his hand and pulled out a handful of beard, maintaining a cold gaze.
After much struggle, they brought the prince to the main hall. Placing him on a cushion surrounded by characters, they handed him a board, expecting him to choose.
The indifferent prince, seemingly dissatisfied, casually threw the board. It flew towards a pillar, bouncing back and slapping the Emperor’s face, causing him to fall spectacularly.
The board landed on a character. When the paper was removed, it revealed one word: Shang.
And so, the little prince was named Dugu Shang – and that prince was me.
…
Because, I no longer know how to confide.
